Program Overview
It takes a lot of different people to keep a dental office running smoothly. Dental assistants are among the most crucial; their work ranges from patient care to office tasks and laboratory procedures. The Carrington College Dental Assisting curriculum begins with a broad base of knowledge on subjects ranging from anatomy of the head and mouth to sterilization techniques to front-office operations.
Get started on your education today!
Disclaimers
1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm (visited July 12, 2018).
Data reflects a projected percentage change in employment from 2016-2026 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
2. Not including breaks. Program length by weeks and admission requirements can be found here in the academic catalog.
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Which Locations Offer the Dental Assisting Program?
*Certificate is awarded from the Phoenix campus.
VIDEOS
What Will I Learn
A Day In The Life
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the job outlook like for Dental Assistants?
You’re passionate about helping people with their smiles. That will help you succeed as a dental assistant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the opportunities for dental assistants will continue to grow. In fact, employment of dental assistants is projected to grow nationally 19% between 2016 and 20263. And there are some reasons for this growth, including:
- Continue research showing a link between oral health and general health will increase the demand for preventative dental services.
- Dentists need dental assistants to help with routine tasks, giving the dentist more time to see patients in their practice and focus on more complex procedures.
- As baby boomers age, and people keep more of their original teeth than previous generations did, there will be a greater need to maintain and treat teeth, which means an increased need for dental care4.
3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm (visited July 12, 2018).
Data reflects a projected percentage change in employment from 2016-2026 and may not reflect local economic conditions.
4. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-6 (visited July 12, 2018).
Where can you work as a Dental Assistant?5
Dental Offices
In a dental office, you’ll be responsible for both chair-side and administrative duties. You’ll check patients in and schedule appointments. You’ll also educate patients about oral care and assist the dentist with his or her exam
Private and Governmental Facilities
Dental assistants in private and governmental facilities are responsible for recording treatment information in patient records. You’ll also help prepare the patient, sterilize or disinfect instruments and set up instrument trays for the dentist.
Clinics
The work done in dental clinics is similar to what you would find in a dental office. A clinic is typically one big room housing all of the dental equipment and instruments, rather than the individual rooms you would find in an office.
Dental Schools
Dental assistants can perform many roles in dental schools. Your main focus will be on helping with the students’ education, but you might also assist with dental cleanings and x-rays or help check patients in, if the school works with the local community.
State and Local Public Health Departments
Working with patients in state and local public health departments, dental assistants will help with cleanings and patient education. You’ll help dentists by handing them instruments during procedures and make sure the patient understands his or her treatment plan.
5. Individuals seeking to enter this career field may be subject to screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks and drug/alcohol testing prior to externship, to attain occupational licensure/certification or employment, and throughout their careers.
You’re Ready for a Career Helping People with Their Health
Dental assistants have the unique opportunity to impact a patient’s overall health by focusing on their oral health. You’ll get to help patients with their smiles and educate them on ways to improve their oral care. It’s something that could change a patient’s life. In Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program, you can get the classroom education and hands-on experience you need. You’ll also complete an externship, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.
- Perform necessary chair-side and administrative duties
- Take and pour dental impressions
- Educate patients about oral health care and provide post-operative care instructions
- Take dental x-rays and perform coronal polishes6
6. After state certification
How Does Carrington College Support Me As A Student?
We know college is a big step. But education can be the first step in building a better future. Your instructors, administrators and fellow students are there to help if you ever hit a bump in the road along the way. Carrington College offers a lot of great student support services designed to help you succeed, including:
Student Finance
From scholarships and grants to loans, we will help you understand how to search and apply for financial aid7.
Tutoring and Study Groups
For help with schoolwork, your instructors and Student Success Center staff are often available for tutoring or you can join in an open student study group.
Fixed Tuition Promise
How would you like to know what you’re going to pay, right from the beginning? We promise your tuition won’t change through the length of your program. It’s our commitment to you8.
Externships, Clinical Rotations and Fieldwork
Most programs include an opportunity to learn in the real world before you even graduate! You’ll earn impressive experience that looks great on your resume.
Career Services
After graduation, we’ll help you with your career search with everything from resume writing help to job search support to interview tips.
7. Student loans, grants and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
8. Fixed Tuition Promise is available for all Carrington College students who remain active and in good standing during the duration of their program. Students who withdraw or are withdrawn from school and are not reinstated within 180 days of their last date of attendance are subject to a tuition increase. Students who are required to repeat a course to fulfill graduation requirements are subject to additional expenses.
LICENSURE EXAM PASS RATES
This program prepares graduates for an occupation in which passage of a California licensing examination is required. The link below shows exam passage rates for the most recent available year. If you have questions regarding the calculation of these rates please contact the agency listed. Dental Board of California http://www.dbc.ca.gov/formspubs/rdaprac2016.pdf